Monday, February 4, 2013
Early spike in flu cases may not be the last one; officials recommend getting a flu shot.
As influenza illness levels begin to subside across the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. “Although we saw an early spike in influenza cases this flu season, it is important to note that we could see the number of influenza cases rise again before the flu season officially ends in May,” said Michael Fine, M.D., director of HEALTH, adding that Rhode Island has seen 769 hospitalizations since the department began tracking confirmed influenza cases on Oct. 1, 2012. That number reflects a higher total number of hospitalizations for influenza than initially reported, as HEALTH’s staff has re-evaluated data reported by the state’s …
Thursday, January 17, 2013
The Florence Gray Center will be holding a free flu clinic this afternoon.
Haven't been able to get the flu shot at local pharmacies? Stop by the Florence Gray Center today. The community center is holding a free flu clinic today, Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The general public is welcome to attend and receive the flu shot. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 401-239-0876.
AT&T officials offer tips to keep your cells germ-free this winter.
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Thursday, January 17
The following text was submitted by AT&T: Cell phone users can follow a few rules to avoid getting sick from their cell phones – some of these will sound familiar:
Thursday, January 10, 2013
With flu rates higher than normal across the U.S., R.I. Health Director Fine says it's not too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others. There will be a community vaccination clinic next Tuesday at Cole.
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Thursday, January 10
From the office of Michael Fine, M.D., director of the Rhode Island Department of Health: As the flu remains widespread in Rhode Island and continues to send people to doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout the state, unvaccinated Rhode Islanders are urged to get flu shots to protect not only themselves, but also those around them — particularly elderly people and babies under the age of six months. “Flu vaccine helps you and the people in your life stay healthy,” said Fine. “Roughly 40 percent of the state has been vaccinated so far this flu season. For the hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders who still haven’t gotten flu shots, it’s not too late to protect yourself, your family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.” This…
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.
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Wednesday, January 9
There's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from what is considered to be a more active flu season. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity." How do you prevent the flu? According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How do you know if you have the virus? Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). When should you call the doctor? According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be consulted immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: …
Thursday, January 3, 2013
At no cost, anyone can get a free flu shot today. Pneumonia and Tdap vaccines are also available.
Last month, the Rhode Island Department of HEALTH declared flu to be "widespread" in the state, which remains in effect. According to the department, there are approximately 14 flu-related hospitalizations per day and approximately 9% of emergency room visits during the past week have been for influenza-like illness. The influenza vaccine being used this year is a highly accurate match for H3N2, the dominant flu strain in circulation. Flu vaccine is the most effective protection against the flu. Particularly for the elderly, vaccine can prevent hospitalization and death. For those who receive the influenza vaccine but still get the flu, vaccine shortens the duration of the illness and makes symptoms less severe. It also lessens the chances…
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Here's where to get a flu shot in Bristol and Warren, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were much lower in Rhode Island than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. Overall in the state, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here where the vaccine is offered in Newport that offer the vaccine: Check here for more locations in the surrounding area. According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. Five states — Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee — are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease …
Friday, December 7, 2012
Surgical masks now required for all unimmunized healthcare workers.
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Friday, December 7, 2012
The following was provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health PROVIDENCE – Michael Fine, MD, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), has issued a Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence Statewide. This declaration triggers Rhode Island’s new regulations requiring all healthcare workers who have not been immunized against influenza to wear a surgical mask during all times of direct patient contact. “Flu is here in Rhode Island, and all signs indicate that this flu season is expected to be more severe than those in recent past,” said Dr. Fine. “We encourage all Rhode Islanders to protect themselves and those around them by being immunized against influenza. Our healthcare workers have an obligation to protect those …
Terry Dillard
10:40 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
On what grounds was this declaration made? According to http://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/main.html, Influenza like illness is minimal more ›